Tram will help us to grow

THE planned tram route from Nottingham to Clifton runs through Wilford Village, Wilford Lane and Compton Acres – the edge of West Bridgford.

The work is bound to create mixed opinion. Val Shakespeare, local resident and Royston and Lund director offers her thoughts:

"Much has been said about the impending arrival of the tram to West Bridgford, not all of it good. Some are excited and eager to use it, whilst some residents are wary. But I think it is time to step back and review the positives now that work is under way.

"The tram will open up a whole new avenue for West Bridgford in terms of accessibility, both for residents and for businesses. Looking to the future, the tram reinforces our position as a forward-thinking city with so much to offer, a city that constantly evolves, embraces change and attracts inward investment, a great place to live and work.

Those who are filled with trepidation fear that their community will be lost somehow, without exploring the facts and opportunities this can add to, rather than take away from, local life.

I spoke to someone recently who had never been on a tram but was filled with impending doom and I realised that some are fearful without good reason. It was the same when the tram lines were being prepared for the city.

Some just saw upheaval and inconvenience, questioning the need, challenging the changes in lifestyle; but once the lines were installed and running, opinions warmed and now people love and use it every day. Change is inevitable and this is a real step forward. It will help us grow without losing our identity.

Of course, the route has caused concern to a few home owners but this is inevitable on a major project. But let's face it – these smooth single-decker carriages are a far cry from a double-decker bus and I am sure that when the tram arrives in late 2014, people will wonder how they managed without it.

what a biased view. complete drivel. you can keep saying the same things over and over again, it will not change the view of the majority, that is it it not needed, nor wanted and is a complete waste of time and money.